Useful renewable energy produced from organic matter. Organic matter may be directly used as a fuel or processed into liquids and gases.

Biomass

Biomass generally refers to renewable organic matter generated by plants through photosynthesis wherein solar energy combines with carbon dioxide (CO2) and moisture to form carbohydrates and oxygen. Materials with combustible organic matter are referred to as biomass, which consists of three basic elements that are oxygenated hydrocarbons: Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen.

Boiler

A large furnace, inside which fuel burns to produce steam than can be used for thermal and electricity generation.

Bottoming cycle

Bottoming cycle is a type of cogeneration technology. In this, fuel is first used to produce thermal energy, and the heat rejected from the process is used for generating power.

Bridging

This is a technical problem that occurs in gasifier when fuel does not burn properly, leading to the formation of bridges inside the gasifier resulting in blockage of movement of the gas flow. Bridges are the constricted passages formed due to accumulation of tar compounds with the solid biomass, leading to a very tight clinker like formation.

Captive power plant

Captive power plant is set up by any person to generate electricity primarily for his/her own use.

Char

It is the remaining part of the solid biomass left due to incomplete combustion. For example, charcoal is the residual content after the thermochemical conversion of woody biomass.

Co-firing

Co-firing refers to simultaneous burning of two or more fuels in a biomass reactor to produce heat and/or electricity.

Cogeneration

Cogeneration refers to the process wherein both heat and electricity is obtained from the same fuel at the same time. The process is also referred to as Combined Heat and Power (CHP).

Combustion

Combustion is the most conventional method of obtaining energy from biomass. Combustion process involves the direct burning of the biomass material in the presence of air to form carbon dioxide and water.

Distributed generation

This refers to the generation of electricity onsite from small capacity energy sources. It is also called dispersed generation, embedded generation or decentralized generation.

Distribution licensee

A distribution licensee is authorised to operate and maintain a distribution system for supplying electricity to consumers in his area of supply.

A gas engine is an internal combustion engine, which runs on gaseous fuels, such as producer gas, natural gas, biogas etc.

Gasification

Gasification involves burning biomass under restricted air supply for the generation of producer gas.

Kilojoule (kJ)

Kilojoule is equal to 1,000 (one thousand) joules.

Kilowatt (kW)

The rate of electrical power output, which is equal to 1,000 watt.

Kilowatt hour (kWh)

The rate of electrical power output, which is equal to 1,000 watt over an hour period.

Megajoule (MJ)

Megajoule is equal to 1,000,000 (one million) joules.

Megawatt (MW)

The rate of electrical power output, which is equal to 1,000,000 watt.

Net metering

Net metering is the measurement of the net energy consumption by the consumer from the distribution licensee, under which a distribution licensee receives credit for the net energy supplied to the consumer and allows credits to the consumer if there is net drawl. The metering and billing arrangement shall be as per relevant provisions of State Electricity Regulatory Commission/Central Electricity Regulatory Commission.

Open access

Open access means non discriminatory provision for the use of transmission lines or distribution system or associated facilities with such lines or system by any licensee or consumer or a person engaged in generation in accordance with the regulations specified by the State Electricity Regulatory Commission/Central Electricity Regulatory Commission.

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

PPA means a contract for the sale of power between two parties: One who generates electricity for the purpose of sale (the producer) and the other who purchases electricity (the buyer), based on terms and conditions as agreed between both the parties.

A device for converting energy of high pressure steam (produced in a boiler) into mechanical power, which can then be used to generate electricity.

Single window

It is a system facilitated by the State Nodal Agency in order to expedite the process of receiving clearances from multiple agencies and fulfil all inception related requirements of a renewable energy project.

Topping cycle

Topping cycle is a type of cogeneration technology. In a topping cycle cogeneration system, electric power is produced first. The reject heat from power production is then used to produce useful process heat.

Watt

One watt equals to power developed in a circuit by a current of one ampere flowing through a potential difference of one volt.

The Biomass Knowledge Portal has been developed under the UNDP-GEF supported project "Removal of Barriers to Biomass Power Generation in India" implemented by MNRE

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